(INDIA) – Gov. Terry E. Branstad, on an international trade mission in India, today issued the following statement upon learning Rockwell City Police Officer Jamie Buenting was killed in the line of duty earlier this morning:

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Jamie Buenting, his coworkers, and the entire Rockwell City community. This is a devastating loss that again reminds us of the harm faced on a daily basis by our brave public safety officers. We must never take for granted the work carried out by our public safety officers, and must be ever thankful to officers like Jamie Buenting for keeping our families safe.”

Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds made the following statement in Pella:

“"Today offered another stark reminder of the dangers confronted by public safety officers on a daily basis. This is a terrible tragedy, and we all will keep Officer Buenting's family in our thoughts and prayers. My thoughts also go out Rockwell City as they endure the loss of a respected public service officer."